Empress Menen Asfaw and Spring Renewal Goddess Energy

 

Blessed Empress Menen Day to the beloved Dawtas of Rastafari!

Although the correct date in the Gregorian calendar is April 3rd for the Empress’ Earthstrong, March 25th will always be our day to honour and selahbrate our Mighty, Fearless Queen Menen Asfaw.

Historically, March 25th was celebrated as the resurrection or birth of the Christ, the opening of the New Year and the beginning of spring. Being so close to the vernal or spring equinox (when the Earth faces the Sun broadside or flat on, instead of being tilted towards the North or South as during solstices), it is a time of year when cosmic and terrestrial birth or rebirth were honoured through fasting, feasting and festivals. 

The mighty Mother Goddess ruled supreme, having given birth to her beautiful babe, an allegory for the Creatress bringing the beauty of vegetation back to the land. She was called Easter, whose symbol was the egg or ovum, for fertility. On the masculine side, the crossing of the Sun over the vernal equinox was indicative that the Draconian Devil was conquered, as the glorious King emerged from the tomb of the Underworld or winter. 

I think it is important for all Dawtas to truly capture the essence of this time of year, as a time of rebirth and shedding darkness and death (winter blues), looking forward to renewal in our lives. As wombman in tuned to our inner Light, our inner Kristos, it can be a truly transformative, invigorating experience to embrace the seasonal changes and align ourselves with the renewing shifts of the cosmos. For the Tewahedo Rastafari, this has been a time of cleansing and renewal of faith as well. 

The Kemetic Sisters usually fast for the equinox, performing self-care rituals to heal and purge their minds and bodies, so that they bring new life to their thoughts, their words, their actions. Some common spring time renewal and healing rituals are: smudging the home with various cleansing spices, gums or leaves; surrounding oneself with quartz and citrine crystals; salt, flower or essential oil baths; exercise; clean eating; parasite purging and drinking tons of water to hydrate and replenish the body on a cellular level. My goal for this year has been to drink no less than 1.5 L of water daily. Having reiki, massage, sauna and bush baths are other types of restorative work that I have seen Rasta Dawtas bring forward as well. Cleaning out the house and getting rid of clutter is also a positive renewal ritual practiced by women all over the world. Spending time in nature or tending to a new kitchen or flower garden are also important activities for this season of rebirth, welcoming the new earth and new light.

Aries, the strongest Fire Sign, the Sign of Empress Menen’s birth, is an enthusiastic, passionate and ego-directed sign overall, but its greatest qualities are enterprise, leadership and tenacity. Aries are natural born leaders, just like Leos, known for their intense sense of self will and success. The Aries woman is typically hot-tempered and domineering, yet spontaneous, full of life, intelligent and creative. 

Empress Menen definitely expressed some of these qualities openly for us to observe and be inspired by. We know she was an excellent business woman, and an exceedingly capable queen. We know that She did not let the loss of Her beloved children put a stop to Her works for the greater good. She was not a queen that spent Her time indulging in Her riches – She was livicated to enriching the lives of the women of Ethiopia and Eritrea. His Majesty relied on Her counsel and trusted in Her strengths to head the household and finances.

Empress Menen for me epitomizes the spiritual, hardworking, patriotic and nurturing mother and wife. But she also represents the sacred Feminine Goddess or Womb Energy that lives within each and every one of InI. This Feminine Force has taken millions of names on this Earthly plane since the dawn of time. In Christianity She has been named Mary, which in Semitic languages was Mari, and in Kemetic Meri, meaning Beloved or Mother or Woman. Her title is “Mother of God” which is the same as Neter Mut, the sacred mother in Kemet. Mary was also the “Great Virgin” which is Parthenos in Greek. Auset/Isis and Neit were all called HWNT “the Great Virgin” thousands of years before Mary. Neit was known as a perpetual virgin too. 

I draw references to the similarities between these different languages, nations and ultimately religions, because it is important for the Rasta Wombman in this time to grasp the universality of The Sacred Feminine, whether as Mother, Wife, Queen or Goddess. It is all one and the same, regardless of religion or race or culture.  By all peoples, the healing, nurturing and restorative power of the Wombman is celebrated and cherished through the Gods - the Lioness being one of the oldest animals associated with the Mother Goddess, along with vultures, fish, serpents and cows. We are reflections of that Divine Energy of many names and womanifestations. She is in our wombs, in our touch, in our words, in our style and grace, our fierceness, our love.  She is in the animals, the plants, flowers, the earth, the waters and the Heavens.

The Rasta Wombman culture now, as caretakers of the Earth and its children, is Goddess Energy or Vibes. This is what InI have inherited from the Empress. The same power existed then and will exist in our daughters and their daughters. It is so diverse, and is expressed in so many ethnicities, but it is the One True Sacred I. We must remember to care for Her and Nurture Her in our livity, in the way we treat ourselves. We must teach our daughters to honour Her as well, and of course our sons and kings.

I give thanks to be a strong wombman and fruitful goddess in this life, in this time, in this space. I give thanks to see that thousands of women from all races, are now awakening to their own latent goddess energy, and are now living Ital and harmonizing with their spiritual or Iyah selves. I give thanks for Empress Menen’s example and the example of all women worldwide, my beloved sistren, my friends, my customers, my readers, my own mother and daughter, my sisters, aunts, nieces and cousins. I give thanks that we are all here, and that we are all part of this season of renewal and unfolding beauty.

Remember as the strong-end opens up from tomorrow which is Friday – Freya’s Day or Venus’ Day - that:

You are a Sacred Wombman.

You are beautiful.

You are intelligent.

You are creative.

You are deserving.

You are strong.

You are capable.

You are doing your best.

You are winning

And 

You got this.

Love and Light in Jah Rastafari,

Sis. Ila Addis

Blessed Empress Day

Blessings to the Royal Dawta Nation of RasTafari on this Hola Day which I call EMPRESS DAY!

If there is one time of the year which a Sistren should heartically reflect on her trod thus far in RasTafari: it's this day (of course it should be an on-going thing but you know what I mean!)
March 25 1883 *Ethiopian* or 3 April 1891 *Gregorian*

Empress Menen Asfaw is THE Queen Omega Ilect, the Leading Empress of RasTafari worldwide.
She is InI Iritual Mother, Role Model, Inspiration and Teacher. Without Her there would be no Black Afrikan Queen in our generation to look up to - She is truly the Omega, the last Afrikan Queen to sit upon a ruling/influential Afrikan throne.

Have you ever really sat down and seriously thought about the life of this magnificent Wombman?
Of Her character and legacy of works?
A skilled craftswoman from girlhood, A Loving and Devout Mother and Wife/Homemaker, a Patroness to the Church of Her Faith, A keen Business Woman, a Charitable Volunteer and Fundraiser, Landowner, Temple Builder, School Builder, Woman-Supporter and Counsellor...and the list probably goes on and on for those who intimately knew the Empress.

For I, She is a Wombman who shared a vision of a better Ethiopia and Afrika with Her KingMan Emperor Haile Sellassie I.
A Wombman Who  I believe, was the first Afrikan Wombman to create a school for the education of girls: for She represented millions of generations born of tradition where sons were favoured, a tradition that dates back before history was recorded.This is one thing about Empress Menen that truly inspires I personally: Her will to educate young women. Because doing such means helping create a better world. the Empress knew from Her own experiences and those of others, what was needed in Her land in Her community. She was not afraid to do something ground-breaking that would eventually be beneficial to all once allowed to bear fruits. And in time the Itege Menen School for Girls grew and excelled and changed the hearts of parents throughout Ethiopia one at a time.

When We as Wombman embrace our motherhood and extend our love and nurturing powers to the community, we heal a lot of broken hearts and open wounds that exist in many homes, we give others the attention and guidance they need to be confident and make better decisions in their lives. We dont have to personally know other's situations to help and inspire them. Just by using our passion, drive, intellect, knowledge, skills, love and voices, I and I Wombman can make positive ripple effects.

No one on earth is more influential than a Wombman on a mission, and Empress Menen through Her Life Story, encourages I personally everyday to never give up or in on I visions of a better tomorrow for my yutes and all RasTafari yutes - and one way I focus on the yutes is by reasoning to the I Mothers, to empower the I so all can forward and do good works for self and others.

 I see what is missing for the yutes: they have no education resources or spaces or groups to call their own, and what does exist benefits a very few and not all RasTafari. I and I are so focused on culture in appearance and other avenues but as a global Nation have failed to put in place Afrikan education resources for all to use. Where are our RasTafari youth groups, school books, literature, curriculum, toys, apparel, movies and cartoons and so on? These things exist in small pockets around the world but there is no established model or foundational resource for all to tap into. This needs to change because mainstream globalized society is corrupt and has even more influence on the yutes than ever before. Too many RasTafari families face problems with their yutes wanting to cut their dread and "be like everybody else" because they have no support system or socialization with others like them. This needs to change for the sake of their future joy and confidence in self. InI as mothers have to band together to help our yutes, knowing through our own experiences how hard growing up in Babylon can be!

RasTa Wombman today have many ambitions, but InI abundantly share creative talents such as natural living, design and entertainment. I encourage Dawtas to add to your list of aspirations and duties, the education of others - whether it is in your home, neighbourhood, friends circle, online or in poetry, books, school materials, support groups, workshops, book clubs, or other outlets/materials - whether it's about Rasta, Ital, Afrikan Istory, crafts, or sharing a special skill you have, set apart some time to do good works for the yutes of Rastafari. Let it be InI global mission to focus on them and not just ourselves the adults. We can set aside a little income each month for these initatives through tithes and personal goodness. Let InI hold parties and fairs for them and not just dances for ourselves. let there be youth gatherings n not just adult oriented vibes, more homeschool cooperatives and online blogs and communities, youth chatrooms or forums, lunches outdoors, excursions, vacations, staycations, camping - let InI get together and be accountable as families and build a solid foundation in JAH.
I know you feel what I am saying.
I am not talking about how much money we need to do these things, I am talking about comitting to making it happen, last and succeed! When there is commitment and livication, visions manifest no matter the financial situation!


At the end of the day, let it be that I and I never forget that I nI as RasTafari have taken the baton passed by JAH RasTafari Alpha and Omega: to rebuild the Afrikan community, to repair the damage of Europe. I and I must use all our efforts, pool all our resources and be more trustworthy and trusting of others. Too many RasTAfari efforts come to naught from dishonesty and disagreements and it ends up in our perpetual stagnation as a people. Let I and I be inspired by Empress Menen to come out of our sleeping state and take back the minds of our young people from mainstream corruption. The yutes of RasTafari need InI Mothers to love and guide them, to take the extra time to teach them about their people and their roots so that they will never stray from JAH which is TRUTH and RIGHT.
Selah! Love and Joy on Empress Day and from now til April 3rd!

Empress Menen Love and Itection Itinually my dear Sistren
Ila

Origins of the Headwrapping Culture for a RasTa Empress

Greetings Royal Queens of Afrika!

For RasTafari, the growing and also the wrapping or covering of the dreadlocked crown is founded in the knowledge that the entire head region of the body is sacred – it is the home of the crown chakra which is responsible for our connection with our Higher Self and advanced spiritual truths. This is the violet colour of the light spectrum. Furthermore, the brain controls the entire body, it is where the thinking mind is, where the Wise Mind or Wisdom of JAH or The Word, lives and reigns in the flesh. It is representative of the Heavens, the sacred seat of the body which is the Tabernacle of JAH, the Most High. The crown is where salvation truly abides, where logic and self-esteem manifest – all things we value most in our Kristos Consciousness. The crown, as an extension of the third-eye, heart and throat chakras, is therefore the most important part of the body we have to care for in order to have a sense of identity and purpose, and to live a fruitful and long life. The body will not survive if the mind has been corrupted or addled.

The mane of Dreadlocks are a physical manifestation of this intellectual consciousness of the Higher Self. The Livity of RasTafari honours this sacred crown with chanting Ises to raise our spiritual vibrations and with Ital foods and beverages to keep it vitalized. RasTafari value reasoning and using cannabis to increase our use of this intellectual mind-space. The dreadlocks show commitment to righteous mind and separation from negativity or Babylon/mainstream society. It is an outward projection of the Inner man and wombman, of the spiritual journey of Rastafari. We engage in head-covering to protect the Irits and Vibrations sacred to the crown chakra, and to keep this symbol of a personal covenant, hidden and set-apart unto JAH like the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem. The turban covering has, for centuries, been a mark of a personal devotion to the holy life, or Mysteries.

Elder Rastafari such as Rita Marley, have shared that in the early days, non-Rastafarians would throw garbage and insults at Rasta people on the street. They would degrade them and criticize their appearance by calling them “dutty.” Rastafari started covering their dreadlocks more often when walking the streets as a way of protecting themselves from such hateful, ignorant and negative comments. Beautiful crochet hats called tams became a common item for Rastafari, and allowed them to proudly display their Ethiopian or Afrikan heritage and mindset, with the use of black, red, yellow and green colours.

The knowledge of colours and what vibrations they send and receive, plays an important role in how many RasTafari dress and cover their head as well. For example, the Bobo Shanti have a turban and fall (head scarf) in the colour of each Tribe month. The Kemetic Teachings show that colour was a sacred part of life and worship in Kemet as well – white for purity, black for the soil of the Nile and underworld, and yellow symbolizes the Word Sound Power, etc.

. . .

Head-wrapping is a common act performed by religious people cross the world for thousands of years. It is an ancient tradition brought to the Diaspora by Afrikan women. Jewish women also cover their heads with scarves or bonnets called snoods, while the men, during times of study, prayer or when in temple, also wear kippahs. Christian women also engage in head-wrapping, such as the Shouter Baptists, as do Muslim men and women, as well as Afrikan spiritualists like Orisha. Different forms of spirituality therefore establish head-covering to be an important part of both the women’s and men’s daily life.

Within the dreadlocked culture of RasTafari, it is tradition that both bredren and sistren cover their mane or crown consistently from the very beginning, especially during times of worship and while in public. This tradition has a religious foundation in the New Testament as well as The Fetha Nagast. These sources in the Bible speak about the covering of a virtuous woman as part of the church and as part of her sacred marriage order (according to Pauline doctrine which is quite restrictive to say the least).

Like circumcision, not marking or cutting one’s hair with a razor is a sign of being put-apart unto the Living God rather than idols. As part of the Nazirite Vow it shows that one is not caught up in death or with pleasures and ego, but has livicated/devoted oneself as a sacred temple that is pure in its Creation. Long hair, like fine linen, was therefore once a show of virtue, humility and holy separation for both man and woman.

In the New Testament however, Paul mentions that long hair was not customary for the common man but for the woman, as a “covering” for her. Long hair, along with the cloth that covered it, together symbolized woman’s submission to her man and her god which is “sacred marriage.” It is assumed that the covering of a woman is a sign of submission so that she does not disgrace her husband or the authority in her life, thereby implying that she has no teaching or faith.

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.

For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.

For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.”

“Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her;

for her hair is given to her for a covering.”

(1 Corinthians 11:2-16 NKJV).

In the above verses of First Corinthians Chapter 11, Paul notes that for the good Christian woman, covering her long hair is a sign of belonging to the Heavenly Father – but also her submission to her husband. A woman should not only have long hair to cover her body, but that long hair should be covered in prayer and prophesying, marking that she is headed by her husband and JAH. To have her hair uncovered in prayer is as big a sin as not having hair at all. She covers her head as a worshipping wife, handmaid, patroness or prophetess. The covering represents her acceptance and reception of the law and Holy Spirit in her heart and soul.

And by interpretation therefore, the woman who covers is of constant reverence, prayer and Iditation on the Word and Irit of JAH, of that Authority that guides her decisions and works every day. She covers her head to signify her reception of Jah Consciously. Her head-covering is also viewed as a mark of perpetual service to the Kingdom of JAH.

Her head covering in prayer is in submission to the Lord who is Authority over her and her husband. It is a Virtuous Wombman who prays often, who speaks wisdom always, and knows that her righteous deeds in the law are in themselves offerings to her God. She knows that she is always in submission to JAH through her submission to her husband and the law in righteousness. She will seek to always cover or crown herself consistently and appropriately as a womanifestation of righteousness.

The impression given by Paul is that the covering of the wombman shows that she is also headed by a righteous man – her father and/or husband, even her priest and king. Covering herself in worship shows that the man is head of the gathering in Church or for prayer as he is in the home and marriage. A covered woman therefore boosts the standing of her man in public, amongst his bredren.

Chapter Eleven reminds the church that the veil is a symbol that she is not independent of her husband, and he is not independent of her, and that they are not independent of JAH. So he must crown, cover, cherish and protect her; keeping them both in union with their God. The veil, the covering and crowning, once again represent this perfect union or sacred marriage, and the Authority of JAH over them both through the husband.

The veil or covering also shields the husband’s “property” from the lustful curious stares of his family, friends and strangers in public. A woman’s body was coveted by her man in a way that shielded her from the eyes of others – long hair was the first covering given to her by JAH, then came the long dresses/robes and the head scarves, hats, veils and so on given to her by her father, brother and then her husband. Hence, the covering of a woman stems from both religious and social ideologies.

The Ethiopian doctrine used apart from the Bible is the Fetha Nagast, which outlined the laws that kings and queens lived by. Many do not realize that the traditions given to Rasta women were traditions followed by Empress Menen Asfaw as an Orthodox Christian. This book states:

When she walks through the street, she veils her head with her cope [probably cape]; she veils herself with purity to defend herself from the looks of wicked men. She adorns neither her head nor her face, for there is nothing which renders her ugly and makes adornment necessary. Let her drop her head and look to the ground and let her always remain veiled.

A free woman [“not enslaved by the devil”] shall not leave her hair unveiled in the house of the Lord she shall not give her children to wet nurses, nor shall she be slothful in administering her household nor disobedient to her husband (Feta Nagast, Strauss, 2002, pg. 80).

It was expected that the Ethiopian Christian Wombman in covering herself with a veil and cape, would not even make eye contact with other men. As the virtuous wife moved about her society, her veiling or head covering kept her somewhat hidden away from the same negativity or temptations her sacred marriage took her away from. She, by her modesty in donning this Cloak of Righteousness, became Iritually untouchable by the stares of strange lustful men.

Drunk and lustful men are known to “undress women with their eyes,” it is therefore not impractical to think that covering up herself is a barrier against such unwanted negative attention. And furthermore, her choice to cover is a womb-manifestation of her principles to distinguish herself from someone they could toy with, a godless woemen; or one who is wayward, or lacks responsibility, tradition, honour, love and raspect in her own dwelling.

By these religious terms therefore, any woman who dresses confidently in modesty and covers her head is basically labelled “spoken for,” or at least God-fearing; and is therefore not open to being appraised or approached by ill-intending strangers. The only ones allowed to behold the beauty of her body and nature are her family members; and theirs is the only praise she needs or wants to receive and bask in.

To recall Biblical history, which is the precedent for the push for Christian wives to be so submissive in their appearance and in public; being wary of beautiful or beguiling women who could somehow compromise their morality, was very important for the officials of Isra’el. Women were considered the “weaker” sex and vessel, being prey to carnal sins probably because of their beauty and tender feminine attributes. Beauty somehow was linked to weakness, because adornment sometimes expresses or aims to cover a woman’s insecurities about her body. On the other hand, her beauty could also be used by her or others as a weapon or vice to commit evil intentions.

It was therefore necessary for the sons of the Covenant to find wives who were clean spirited and able to abide in humility and goodness despite their physical beauty – so that they themselves could remain ritually pure. It was best to find a virgin bride, untouched by another man and totally in submission to them and the law; and therefore not someone who would lead them astray, or someone who could tempt them into doing the wrong thing. “They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God.” (Leviticus 21:7 NKJV)

Therefore, the righteousness of a wombman and a true humble virtuous wife, in the tradition of the Ethiopians and Hebrews is culturally identified and womanifested (apart from her works or reputation) by her covering. Her veil, her gown, her cloak, her cape, her snood, her turban, her scarf, her wrap, her shamma – they all speak volumes about her principles and how much she is in communication with the Law, the church, her JAH. It is a good work on her part, literally for the sake of mankind. And more importantly, her covering lets it be known on the street that she is of high morale, and likely to be a good or obedient wife and daughter. (Biblically a virgin or daughter also covered in raspect for her father.)

To summarize, traditionally, by religious and social tradition, the reasons for the head-covering of the Judeo-Christian Wombman are as follows:

1. to protect herself from others in public

2. to show her submission to JAH and the rules of worship in church or at home, 

3. to shun vanity in humility and livication to a holy life (think of Nuns, Muslims, Amish and so on)

4. to signify the submission in sacred marriage between Man, Wombman and JAH.

. . .

Indeed, it is clear that in First Corinthians Chapter 11 the veil is a glory between JAH, man and wife - and so are the dreadlocks, for RasTafari. The covering of the RasTafari Daughter’s dreadlocks and body is a reflection of her sacred marriage to her King-Man and the Highest Dread JAH RasTafari. The dreadlocks are a defining factor in her overall natural beauty, being the physical beauty and reflection of her Lioness Irit, and personal covenant and humility to King-Man and JAH. Dreadlocks are a reflection of her personal journey and covenant; but they are also a covenant shared with her husband as part of their Iritual beliefs, bond, identity and livity. Her Alpha is reflected in him, and his Omega in her.

The RasTafari Queen of today has risen to her own throne and crowning freedoms even in her sacred marriage to JAH and her King-Man. She is much more sociable, and has her work, friends and affiliations. She may be physically found “out there” but she is not “out there” mentally or Iritually and her appearance reflects that balance. Her dreadlocks are outward manifestations of her inner crown opened through RasTafari Livity. Such must be guarded if she is to remain powerful and in touch with the Word of JAH as His/Her Anointed. Be that as it may however, the covering of the crown or even growing locks, are not considered to be the only important markers of a Dawta’s virtuosity or livication to Rastafari. Her character and good works are even more important in projecting to the world who she is and what she is about.

Some Dawtas wrap their crowns all the time, some only on special occasions, when they feel like, or when it is required. There is no steadfast order in the culture anymore because the Rastafari Woman is free to choose for herself in most cases. While these freedoms are taken, however, it can be assured that when it comes to worshipping and entering the Taba or any place of worship, Dawtas are required to cover their crowns. What freedoms we take in our personal life, are not to disrespect the public gathering of Rastafari to worship as a community.

Queen Omega Love!

Sis. Ila

(This post was updated 27/9/2021)

The Way of the Anointed One

Selamta!

Today I offer some of my words which support the importance of truly knowing what you stand for, as an Anointed Dreadlocked RasTafari Daughter and Empress, as a Virtuous Daughter of King Sela and Queen Omega Ityopya. This post is ideally a forerunner of the Queen Omega Livity Principles because it discusses the New Testament Scriptures which would have been the same Iritual literature taught to Empress Menen as She was growing up. The Way of the Anointed, the Way of the Nazirene, Christian, Saint, such are the guidelines that She would have been taught to encourage a strong moral character. Have you ever thought about what Scripture impacted on the making of the Queenly Character of Krist? Of course it is relevant for the King-Man also, do share it with him and your children.

Biblical  Explanations  of The Ways  of  the Kristos and Nazirene 

         

          There are parts of Biblical Scripture that I and I can Iditate on daily to define and advise upon the God-Self, and the way that flesh must abide if to have the blessings and power of JAH through the Kristos Irit upon the nation. By considering the Gospels of the Apostles as a whole body of work based on One Message; it is apparent that there is a Defined Type of Personality to embrace and meditate upon so that the God-Head may enlighten and become a part of self. Yesus constantly talked about the Ways to the Father through Him, that Isra’el should follow Him and His teachings to gain redemption and everliving life. In many ways that will not be mentioned here, RasTafari is like the Israelites of the Ible who according to the prophecy of Hosea, would appoint over themselves one leader in order to be liberated from tribulation and captivity.

          Within RasTafari it is also necessary to pay attention to the Personality of Krist (Kristos, Christ, Messiah means “Anointed One”), what I call I-Consciousness or Kristos Consciousness. In layman terms RasTafari call it “Krist in His Kingly Character.” Who is JAH? Who is the Almighty? Who is the Man-Ifestation, the Anointed King of Kings? Who joined His pregnant Wife to His Throne in the same anointing and coronation ceremony to bring back into reign the true trinity of Black Mother, Father and Child? What Would JAH Do? Everything JAH is as Husband, King, Prophet, Priest, Father and Afrikan is of course mirrored in the Emperor’s Wife, Krist in Her Queenly Character, the Afrikan Mother, Queen, Daughter, Wife, Patroness, Priestess.

          But when it comes down to it, and focusing solely on the name, RasTafari, the Movement is not only about being pro-Afrika, or exalting Emperor Haile Sellassie or Empress Menen with flattering words and Ises. No, RasTafari goes beyond the praises of The Man and Wombman, the God-King and Goddess into deep personal accountability. Finding the Queen and King within, the Image and Likeness of Kristos. To be Images of the Supreme King and Queen that gave us back our identity, our will to live right and our place in our homeland. Holy King Sela and Queen Omega I provoke us all to look at ourselves, to see illumination and enlightenment within and to take up a cross and walk on the Path of Righteousness with fear and love of the Almighty Creator. “Do as I do, live as I live.” Isn’t that the plee of Kristos?

          Like a Nazirene in following the Word of Yesus Kristos, to call oneself after the Name of the King and Queen of Kings I and I must be pro-right and clean, loving, honest, fruitful, hard-working and selfless. Our whole point is to be as JAH Rastafari Alpha and Omega are: to be loving, giving, unblemished and sanctified inside and out. Every aspect of Their lives whether Iritual, church or family-related, economic, educational, humanitarian or political, hold important lessons that I and I can learn from, and see the Presence of JAH in Them, as They reflected ideally what was said about the God-Chosen in both Old and New Testaments of the Ible.

          The Holy Identity of those reborn in the Irit of the Kristos is about the inner man/wombman, and genuinely doing the things that pure-hearted do. Such instruction is mainly laid out in the New Testament, but there are Old Testament references also such as Exodus 20 and 31, Leviticus 18-20, The Books of Proverbs, Psalms and Ecclesiastes.

         The following selection of chapter and verse make up what can be gleaned from the New Testament as instruction on The Way of Kristos or the Nazirene. This list does not include the Nazirite Vow, or marriage guidelines which were covered in Virtuous Woman. The common themes of the Apostles of course focus on highlighting the important steps Nazirenes should take to God-likeness of Kristos-Consciousness: faith, virtue, knowledge, gentleness and humility, honesty, endurance, patience, love and kindness, repentance or turning away from sins, and obedience to the law.

Then [Krist] said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Not Carnality but Krist

If then you were raised with Krist, seek those things which are above, where Krist is, sitting at the right hand of JAH. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Krist in JAH. When Krist who is our life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of JAH is coming upon the sons [and daughters] of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Krist is all and in all.

Character of the New Man [Wombman]

Therefore, as the elect of JAH, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Krist forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of JAH rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Krist dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to JAH the Father through Him.

(Colossians 3:1-18)

Walk in Love

Therefore be imitators of [JAH RasTafari] as dear children. And walk in love, as Krist also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to JAH for a sweet-smelling aroma.
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Krist and [Jahovah JAH RasTafari].

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of JAH comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Walk in Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the [Irit] is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Krist will give you light.”

Walk in Wisdom

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to JAH the Father in the name of our Lord Yesus Kristos, submitting to one another in the fear of JAH. 

 (Ephesians 5:1-21)

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Irit of JAH, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as JAH in Krist forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25-27,29-32)

 Living Sacrifices to [Jahovah]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of JAH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to JAH, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of JAH.

Behave Like a Nazirene

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

(Romans 12:1-2, 9-15)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of JAH in Krist Yesus for you. Do not quench the Irit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.  (1 Peter 2:17)

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

(2 Timothy 2:16)

Qualities Needed in Trials

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of JAH.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:18-22)

Important Psalms on Righteousness:

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbour, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honours those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

(Psalm 15)

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me?

I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.

I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

The perverse of heart shall be far from me;I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Whoever slanders their neighbour in secret,  I will put to silence;

whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord. (Psalm 101)

Other Hebrew Scriptures on the Kristos Right:

I am a priest of the Lord, and to Him I do priestly service: and to Him I offer the sacrifice of His thought.
For His thought is not like the thought of the world nor the thought of the flesh, nor like them that serve carnally.
The sacrifice of the Lord is righteousness, and purity of heart and lips.
Present your reins before Him blamelessly: and let not thy heart do violence to heart, nor thy soul to soul.
Thou shalt not acquire a stranger by the price of thy silver, neither shalt thou seek to devour thy neighbour,
Neither shalt thou deprive him of the covering of his nakedness.
But put on the grace of the Lord without stint; and come into His Paradise and make thee a garland from its tree,
And put it on thy head and be glad; and recline on His rest, and glory shall go before thee,
And thou shalt receive of His kindness and of His grace; and thou shalt be flourishing in truth in the praise of His holiness. Praise and honour be to His name. Hallelujah.

(Odes of Solomon, Ode 20)

JAH RasTafari be praised forIver through our righteous works and words. Holy Yesus I, Menen I, Selassie I JAH RasTafari!

Ila

Queen Omega Livity Principles of the RasTa Empress

Blessed Love
Heart of Sabbath and Heart of Selabration Love on this blessed Garvey Earthstrong!

More love, strength and power to all Ithiopian Queens and Dawtas who are giving thanks for the Prophet of Black Isra'el.

Though I should post something to honour Marcus Mosiah Garvey, I am moved to post this summary on the character and attitude of Empress Menen Asfaw in the key roles she played in Her lifetime as the Proverbs 31Virtuous Wombman or Wife of Valor, Ethiopian Empress, Hebrew Matriarch, the Blessed Sacred Feminine, the Goddess of the God-Head JAH Rastafari, King Alpha and Queen Omega.

 

 "Her Personality was indeed a true and clear womb-manifestation of the Wise Wombman, Virtuous Wife, Mother, Patroness, HandMaid, Daughter, Warrior, and Queen. Every purpose, deal and deed reflected Her submission to serve with love; Her unwavering faith and commitment to righteousness; as well as honouring Ethiopia, the Teachings of Immanuel Yesus Kristos, and Her sacred marriage vows to Man and God.

As the RasTafari Wombman’s Identity is empowered by her connection to such Omega-Goddess energies; the following capture the virtuous points of principle by which Empress Menen Asfaw thrived and ruled. The Empress teaches the King’s Royal Dawta to:

• Put prayer and Ises first in life. To pray regularly and always be conscious of JAH within and all around, in others and in the natural world.

• Be faithful to JAH and keep the Holy Laws and Commandments of Isra’el (such as the Mosaic, Nazirene, Nazirite) no matter what misfortunes, trials and tribulations happen in life.

• Turn to JAH, the Ingels and ancestral Saints in times of hardship, for all personal and spiritual guidance, healing and inspiration.

• Be a patroness of the Tabernacle – to ensure it is kept clean, beautified and well-furnished for its priests and congregation.

• Be dutiful, loyal, hardworking, respectful, loving and kind in all roles in life: as daughter, mother, sister, wife, queen, nun or any political or social leadership.

• Fully support and stand by the King-Man, defending and protecting one’s property. Being knowledgeable, skilful and wise enough to take on his roles or work in his absence, and to assist and strengthen him in all tasks and struggles as Head of the house.

• Be a caring, disciplinary and protective mother, keeping children and grandchildren close to home; raising them to be of goodwill; submissive to their parents, God, church and education.

• Be mindful of one’s health and appearance: modest, appropriately attired, clean and observing fasting and vegetarian livity principles.

• Be of humble spirit and nature: a woman of knowledge yet few words in the courts of the Brethren, capable of reasoning or speaking wisdom, and encouragement at the given moment. Known for showing more through kind actions, than words.

• Be an avid entrepreneur, creating businesses that provide for self, family and community.

• Be compassionate for those in need and never neglect to find or establish solutions to provide for the poor.

• Be a good role model to young girls and adult women by always showing mature attitude and work ethic, and by helping them to live better lives in whatever way possible.

• Collaborate with other like-minded women and care-providers, and commit to doing good works for the elder and juvenile community.

• Never give up on any goals or aspirations, or new ideas which will bring good to your life and the lives of others - perseverance is the mother of success. "

Selah!

 

I offer this word sound to the Sistren who gather for reasoning and who perform works in the Name of JAH RasTafari, who have organization or fellowship with other Dawtas, or who wish to discuss the character of Empress as a True Mother of the Black Nation.
It is very  important to read the Biography to capture the fullness of Her character and life!


Hail Queen Omega, Mother and Goddess of Love
RasTafari!
Sis. Ila